As if we were not wowed enough by what we found up north Catanduanes in Pandan, we ventured southeast of the Happy Island to find more amazement in the municipality of Bato. From Virac, it’s an 11km ride to the municipality of Bato. A familiar route on my first visit are the numerous waterfalls in the area, including Maribina Falls. But I never knew Carorian Adventure off the coast of Bato was something to rave about. We just got a taste and I’m already thinking when I’ll be back here.
Bato Church Side Trip
It’s hard not to notice the captivating old edifice of this stone church by the Bato River. After passing by the Bato-Baras bridge is the St. John the Baptist Church, more popularly known as the Bato Church. While it is sadly a product of force labor in the period of construction from 1830 to 1880, there’s no denying the value of its antiquity. Built with mortar and coral stones, a unique architecture and tested by time and calamity, it remains as the oldest church in Catanduanes.
Carorian Adventure
We veered off the main road heading to Baras and instead went south on a narrower road. We passed by a coastal road first and a scenic mangrove area until we found ourselves cutting through the mountains and felt the elevation go higher. Some roads were paves, some were not. But it gets more scenic along the way until we reached Barangay Carorian.
Carorian is a mountain slope baranggay with a cove. The hillside homes and their lower grade school is situated by the beach. I envy the kids here as they can always relax or jump in and swim anytime after school. Boat tours here are already organized and one has to register first. Life vests is a must for every guests.
Poseidon Rock
Carorian Adventure consist of visiting a set of islets and some mainland attractions. Since we have limited time, we went to only one attraction many considered as the highlight – the Poseidon Rock. Located down south of the island, part of the Corarian land which looks like a protruding finger. Out boat ride took at least half and hour and as we approach we could see the unnatural patterns of the cliff stones.
Poseidon Rock was imposing, white and tall. It looks like a layer of sliced rolled cake tipped over to the icing side. It’s just fascinating how nature carves something like this using the natural elements. Everyone were excited to take a dip at its double pools. It was clear and calm. Unfortunately we had to cut our trip short for other obligations but I made up my mind to go back here as soon as possible. There is so much in Bato municipality and we’ve only experienced a small portion of the Carorian Adventure.
For a hassle free travel, why not avail of a travel agency service to help out. DOT-accredited Island Escape Travel & Tours is a Virac-based travel agency that can organize tours to around Catanduanes. Contact them at:
Facebook: Island Escape Travel & Tours
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0949-4622641
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
